The latest episode of “DodgerHeads” features host Jeff Spiegel being joined by DodgerBlue.com managing editor Matthew Moreno to discuss top Los Angeles Dodgers free agents Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Max Scherzer, Corey Seager and Chris Taylor.
The discussion also included the options with Joe Kelly, who reportedly may get bought out of the final year of his contract. It’s plausible, however, that the Dodgers and Kelly then look to agree on terms for a new deal.
Another wrinkle to this offseason is the likelihood of an MLB lockout as the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 8:59 p.m PT.
With that in mind, Spiegel and Moreno discussed the potential for some free agents to sign prior to the CBA expiring, which Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the club would be open to doing.
Considering it is unlikely the Dodgers retain all of their marquee free agents, Spiegel and Moreno each selected who they think is most likely to remain with the team, and who should be the top priority.
Dodgers are among the several teams in need of starting pitching moving forward, which figures to put a bit of a premium on Scherzer. In Kershaw’s case, re-signing with the Dodgers may be the most likely outcome, but there are some questions because of his left flexor tendon injury.
Spiegel and Moreno also explained how they believe the futures of Seager and Taylor may be connected. In Seager’s case, he’s part of a talented class of free agent shortstops this winter.
Meanwhile, Taylor has made it clear he would like to remain with the Dodgers.
Dodgers offered contract extension to Seager
While the timing and terms of the offer are unclear, the Dodgers reportedly presented Seager with a contract extension at some point during the 2021 season.
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